Photo by: Stephen Featherston
11/11/2026 5:56:00 PM | Softball
Louisiana Tech head softball coach Josh Taylor announced the signing of six student-athletes to the Bulldogs' 2027 recruiting class Wednesday, adding a talented group that includes two pitchers, a catcher, two infielders and an outfielder.
The six-member class features three players from Texas and one each from Arkansas, California and Louisiana. The group includes multiple all-state selections, record-setting offensive performers and players who have helped lead their high school and travel teams to championship success.
The class consists of outfielder Bijan Ali (Pearland, Texas), pitcher Caroline Baker (San Pedro, California), infielder Analee Becerra (Whitehouse, Texas), first baseman Macy Browning (Conroe, Texas), pitcher Shelbee Gros (Thibodaux, Louisiana) and catcher Jordan Nailling (Paragould, Arkansas).
The six signees will join the Bulldogs for the 2027-28 academic year.
Ali joins the Bulldogs following a successful career with the HCYA Warriors, where she played four years of varsity softball under head coach Alan Snedeker. She helped lead the Warriors to the 2024 NACA Division I National Championship and TAIAO Texas State Championship. Ali was also part of HCYA's 2026 NACA National Championship team.
"Bijan is a player we're excited to add because of the offensive potential and competitive experience she brings to this recruiting class," Taylor said. "We want athletes who are eager to develop, willing to be challenged, and excited about the opportunity to compete at the Division I level.
"Bijan will have the opportunity to grow within our system, learn what it means to compete every day, and establish herself as part of our Bulldog family."
Ali has competed at the travel-ball level for Impact Gold Jackson/Jazz 18U under head coach Jazz Jackson-Vesely.
"I chose Louisiana Tech because it feels like the perfect place for me to grow as both a student and an athlete," Ali said. "The coaches made me feel welcomed and believed in my potential from the beginning. I'm excited to become part of the Bulldog family and continue playing the sport I love at the next level."
Baker brings an impressive collection of pitching honors to Ruston following her career at San Pedro High School under head coach Andy Flores.
A two-time first-team All-Conference selection, Baker was named the 2025 CIF Marine League Pitcher of the Year while also earning Daily Breeze All-Area First Team and CIF All-City Team recognition.
She was selected to the 2024 Extra Inning Softball West Region First Team and was twice named a Daily Breeze High School Athlete of the Week. Baker was also a two-time Premier Girls Fastpitch All-American finalist.
"Caroline brings an exciting combination of size, pitching ability, and competitive experience to our program," Taylor said. "She has developed a strong arsenal of pitches and has challenged herself against some of the best hitters in the country.
"What excites us is her potential to continue growing as a complete pitcher, learning how to command the game and compete in big moments."
Baker helped lead San Pedro to the 2026 Marine League championship and competed in travel softball for the BSC Bengals.
"I chose Louisiana Tech because from the moment I stepped on campus, I felt so welcomed," Baker said. "I loved the culture, the coaches, the team and the opportunity to continue to grow both as a softball player and a person. I'm so excited for this opportunity and excited to be a Bulldog!"
Becerra brings one of the most impressive offensive resumes in the signing class after establishing herself as one of the top power hitters in Texas.
A three-time Class 5A All-State selection, Becerra hit .530 with 55 hits, 20 home runs and 59 RBI during her junior season in 2026. She posted a .580 on-base percentage and a 1.336 slugging percentage.
Her 20 home runs established a Whitehouse single-season record, and she enters her senior season as the school's career home run leader with 41.
Becerra is also a three-time District 10 All-District selection and earned All-Rose Country honors in each of her first three high school seasons. She helped lead Whitehouse to the 2024 District 10-5A championship.
"Analee is a dynamic player who has the ability to impact a game in several different ways," Taylor said. "Her offensive production speaks for itself, but what makes her particularly exciting is the combination of power, athleticism, and defensive ability she brings to the middle infield.
"We want players who embrace the challenge of being great, and Analee has demonstrated that mindset through her performance."
She plays travel softball for Sneaky Cleats Gold.
"Louisiana Tech felt like the perfect mix of being close enough to home but far enough away to let me pretend I'm adventurous," Becerra said. "The second I stepped on campus, I could see myself there. I loved the campus, the people, the strong academics and the athletic programs, but what really sold me was the community. The way the whole town shows up and supports Tech, whether it's academics or athletics, made it feel like a place I wanted to be a part of."
Browning adds another powerful bat to the Bulldogs' recruiting class following a productive career at Oak Ridge High School.
A two-time first-team All-District selection, Browning batted .323 with 15 home runs, seven doubles, one triple and 58 RBI during her junior season. She recorded 40 hits, scored 40 runs and drew 24 walks while producing a .758 slugging percentage and 1.199 OPS.
Browning helped lead Oak Ridge to the 2024 District 13-6A co-championship and Region II regional semifinals. The War Eagles also captured area championships in 2025 and 2026.
She earned the team's Offensive Award as a junior and Most Improved Player recognition as a sophomore.
"Macy is an exciting addition to our program because of the defensive and offensive potential she brings," Taylor said. "Macy has the ability to be dynamic at first base and has proven she has an explosive bat.
"She has competed in a strong travel-ball environment, and we believe her best softball is still ahead of her."
Browning competes for Blaze 18U Gold ATX in travel softball.
"I chose Louisiana Tech because it felt like home," Browning said. "The overall culture and team atmosphere was something I was looking for in a program. The coaching staff made me feel like family, and I can't wait to call Ruston home."
Gros is the lone Louisiana native in the class and brings an outstanding pitching resume to the Bulldogs.
A four-time All-District selection, Gros enters her senior season with 777 career strikeouts in 485.1 innings, a 2.39 ERA and a .178 opponent batting average.
As a junior, she recorded a 2.00 ERA with 261 strikeouts in 157.1 innings while limiting opponents to a .163 batting average. She also contributed offensively, batting .312 with four home runs and 24 RBI.
Gros earned LSWA Class 4A All-State honors as a pitcher and Louisiana Softball Coaches Association Class 4A All-State recognition at utility following her junior season.
She has helped E.D. White reach three consecutive state semifinals from 2024-26 and was part of the Cardinals' 2023 district championship team.
"Shelbee is a proven winner, and that's something that immediately stands out when you evaluate her career," Taylor said. "She's been extremely successful in the circle, earned recognition among the best players in Louisiana, and demonstrated the ability to contribute in multiple ways.
"Keeping talented Louisiana players in our state is important to us, and we're excited that Shelbee has chosen to represent Louisiana Tech."
Gros played travel softball for United 18U-Albert under head coach Chris Albert.
"I chose Louisiana Tech because it felt like it's a good home for me and a place where I can grow on and off the field," Gros said. "The coaches, team and the atmosphere all fit together in what I wanted my experience to be like. I'm really excited to get down there, get to work and become part of the Bulldog family. I can't wait to meet my teammates, compete and make memories that I'll carry with me for the rest of my life. I'm ready to give everything I have and see what we can accomplish together."
Nailling rounds out the signing class after establishing herself as one of Arkansas' top offensive performers.
A two-time All-State selection and three-time All-Conference honoree, Nailling batted .535 with 10 home runs and 54 RBI during her junior season. She posted a .632 on-base percentage, 1.047 slugging percentage and 1.678 OPS.
Nailling was named the 2026 Best Under the Sun Player of the Year and earned Arkansas All Preps Team and All-State Tournament Team honors.
She helped Greene County Tech win conference championships in 2024 and 2025 while advancing to the state semifinals in 2024 and quarterfinals in both 2025 and 2026.
"Jordan is an exciting addition at a position that plays such an important role in the success of a softball team," Taylor said. "We put tremendous value on developing catchers who understand the game, communicate effectively, and take ownership of the pitching staff.
"Jordan has an opportunity to grow into that type of presence for our program."
Nailling competes in travel softball for Tennessee Mojo Ramsey 18U.
"I knew Louisiana Tech was where I was meant to be the moment I stepped on campus," Nailling said. "I've always wanted to be part of a program that is like family, and I felt that immediately. The coaching staff is phenomenal in every way possible. I am so grateful that I get this opportunity to play for such an amazing coaching staff and program. I love everything about Louisiana Tech, and I couldn't imagine myself anywhere else. I am so blessed and honored to be able to call Louisiana Tech my home."
SUPPORT LA TECH ATHLETICS
Championships require championship resources. Fans can make a direct impact on the success of LA Tech Athletics through LTAC, Aillet Society, T-Club, and Young Alumni program as well as the Bulldog Community Outreach which is the NIL collective that supports Bulldog and Lady Techster student-athletes. Visit BuildTheLegacy.com today.
BARK LOUDER
Our mission is to engage, develop, and advance the Louisiana Tech Athletics brand. You can do that by spending time consuming our content and by investing your talents. By barking louder with your time and talent, you can affect progress and brand advancement in a meaningful way. Visit LATechSports.com/BarkLouder today. You bark. We bark. Louder together.
SOCIAL MEDIA
For all the latest in Bulldog Softball, follow us on X (@LATechSB), Instagram (@LATechSB), and Facebook (LouisianaTechSoftball).
The six-member class features three players from Texas and one each from Arkansas, California and Louisiana. The group includes multiple all-state selections, record-setting offensive performers and players who have helped lead their high school and travel teams to championship success.
The class consists of outfielder Bijan Ali (Pearland, Texas), pitcher Caroline Baker (San Pedro, California), infielder Analee Becerra (Whitehouse, Texas), first baseman Macy Browning (Conroe, Texas), pitcher Shelbee Gros (Thibodaux, Louisiana) and catcher Jordan Nailling (Paragould, Arkansas).
The six signees will join the Bulldogs for the 2027-28 academic year.
Ali joins the Bulldogs following a successful career with the HCYA Warriors, where she played four years of varsity softball under head coach Alan Snedeker. She helped lead the Warriors to the 2024 NACA Division I National Championship and TAIAO Texas State Championship. Ali was also part of HCYA's 2026 NACA National Championship team.
"Bijan is a player we're excited to add because of the offensive potential and competitive experience she brings to this recruiting class," Taylor said. "We want athletes who are eager to develop, willing to be challenged, and excited about the opportunity to compete at the Division I level.
"Bijan will have the opportunity to grow within our system, learn what it means to compete every day, and establish herself as part of our Bulldog family."
Ali has competed at the travel-ball level for Impact Gold Jackson/Jazz 18U under head coach Jazz Jackson-Vesely.
"I chose Louisiana Tech because it feels like the perfect place for me to grow as both a student and an athlete," Ali said. "The coaches made me feel welcomed and believed in my potential from the beginning. I'm excited to become part of the Bulldog family and continue playing the sport I love at the next level."
Baker brings an impressive collection of pitching honors to Ruston following her career at San Pedro High School under head coach Andy Flores.
A two-time first-team All-Conference selection, Baker was named the 2025 CIF Marine League Pitcher of the Year while also earning Daily Breeze All-Area First Team and CIF All-City Team recognition.
She was selected to the 2024 Extra Inning Softball West Region First Team and was twice named a Daily Breeze High School Athlete of the Week. Baker was also a two-time Premier Girls Fastpitch All-American finalist.
"Caroline brings an exciting combination of size, pitching ability, and competitive experience to our program," Taylor said. "She has developed a strong arsenal of pitches and has challenged herself against some of the best hitters in the country.
"What excites us is her potential to continue growing as a complete pitcher, learning how to command the game and compete in big moments."
Baker helped lead San Pedro to the 2026 Marine League championship and competed in travel softball for the BSC Bengals.
"I chose Louisiana Tech because from the moment I stepped on campus, I felt so welcomed," Baker said. "I loved the culture, the coaches, the team and the opportunity to continue to grow both as a softball player and a person. I'm so excited for this opportunity and excited to be a Bulldog!"
Becerra brings one of the most impressive offensive resumes in the signing class after establishing herself as one of the top power hitters in Texas.
A three-time Class 5A All-State selection, Becerra hit .530 with 55 hits, 20 home runs and 59 RBI during her junior season in 2026. She posted a .580 on-base percentage and a 1.336 slugging percentage.
Her 20 home runs established a Whitehouse single-season record, and she enters her senior season as the school's career home run leader with 41.
Becerra is also a three-time District 10 All-District selection and earned All-Rose Country honors in each of her first three high school seasons. She helped lead Whitehouse to the 2024 District 10-5A championship.
"Analee is a dynamic player who has the ability to impact a game in several different ways," Taylor said. "Her offensive production speaks for itself, but what makes her particularly exciting is the combination of power, athleticism, and defensive ability she brings to the middle infield.
"We want players who embrace the challenge of being great, and Analee has demonstrated that mindset through her performance."
She plays travel softball for Sneaky Cleats Gold.
"Louisiana Tech felt like the perfect mix of being close enough to home but far enough away to let me pretend I'm adventurous," Becerra said. "The second I stepped on campus, I could see myself there. I loved the campus, the people, the strong academics and the athletic programs, but what really sold me was the community. The way the whole town shows up and supports Tech, whether it's academics or athletics, made it feel like a place I wanted to be a part of."
Browning adds another powerful bat to the Bulldogs' recruiting class following a productive career at Oak Ridge High School.
A two-time first-team All-District selection, Browning batted .323 with 15 home runs, seven doubles, one triple and 58 RBI during her junior season. She recorded 40 hits, scored 40 runs and drew 24 walks while producing a .758 slugging percentage and 1.199 OPS.
Browning helped lead Oak Ridge to the 2024 District 13-6A co-championship and Region II regional semifinals. The War Eagles also captured area championships in 2025 and 2026.
She earned the team's Offensive Award as a junior and Most Improved Player recognition as a sophomore.
"Macy is an exciting addition to our program because of the defensive and offensive potential she brings," Taylor said. "Macy has the ability to be dynamic at first base and has proven she has an explosive bat.
"She has competed in a strong travel-ball environment, and we believe her best softball is still ahead of her."
Browning competes for Blaze 18U Gold ATX in travel softball.
"I chose Louisiana Tech because it felt like home," Browning said. "The overall culture and team atmosphere was something I was looking for in a program. The coaching staff made me feel like family, and I can't wait to call Ruston home."
Gros is the lone Louisiana native in the class and brings an outstanding pitching resume to the Bulldogs.
A four-time All-District selection, Gros enters her senior season with 777 career strikeouts in 485.1 innings, a 2.39 ERA and a .178 opponent batting average.
As a junior, she recorded a 2.00 ERA with 261 strikeouts in 157.1 innings while limiting opponents to a .163 batting average. She also contributed offensively, batting .312 with four home runs and 24 RBI.
Gros earned LSWA Class 4A All-State honors as a pitcher and Louisiana Softball Coaches Association Class 4A All-State recognition at utility following her junior season.
She has helped E.D. White reach three consecutive state semifinals from 2024-26 and was part of the Cardinals' 2023 district championship team.
"Shelbee is a proven winner, and that's something that immediately stands out when you evaluate her career," Taylor said. "She's been extremely successful in the circle, earned recognition among the best players in Louisiana, and demonstrated the ability to contribute in multiple ways.
"Keeping talented Louisiana players in our state is important to us, and we're excited that Shelbee has chosen to represent Louisiana Tech."
Gros played travel softball for United 18U-Albert under head coach Chris Albert.
"I chose Louisiana Tech because it felt like it's a good home for me and a place where I can grow on and off the field," Gros said. "The coaches, team and the atmosphere all fit together in what I wanted my experience to be like. I'm really excited to get down there, get to work and become part of the Bulldog family. I can't wait to meet my teammates, compete and make memories that I'll carry with me for the rest of my life. I'm ready to give everything I have and see what we can accomplish together."
Nailling rounds out the signing class after establishing herself as one of Arkansas' top offensive performers.
A two-time All-State selection and three-time All-Conference honoree, Nailling batted .535 with 10 home runs and 54 RBI during her junior season. She posted a .632 on-base percentage, 1.047 slugging percentage and 1.678 OPS.
Nailling was named the 2026 Best Under the Sun Player of the Year and earned Arkansas All Preps Team and All-State Tournament Team honors.
She helped Greene County Tech win conference championships in 2024 and 2025 while advancing to the state semifinals in 2024 and quarterfinals in both 2025 and 2026.
"Jordan is an exciting addition at a position that plays such an important role in the success of a softball team," Taylor said. "We put tremendous value on developing catchers who understand the game, communicate effectively, and take ownership of the pitching staff.
"Jordan has an opportunity to grow into that type of presence for our program."
Nailling competes in travel softball for Tennessee Mojo Ramsey 18U.
"I knew Louisiana Tech was where I was meant to be the moment I stepped on campus," Nailling said. "I've always wanted to be part of a program that is like family, and I felt that immediately. The coaching staff is phenomenal in every way possible. I am so grateful that I get this opportunity to play for such an amazing coaching staff and program. I love everything about Louisiana Tech, and I couldn't imagine myself anywhere else. I am so blessed and honored to be able to call Louisiana Tech my home."
SUPPORT LA TECH ATHLETICS
Championships require championship resources. Fans can make a direct impact on the success of LA Tech Athletics through LTAC, Aillet Society, T-Club, and Young Alumni program as well as the Bulldog Community Outreach which is the NIL collective that supports Bulldog and Lady Techster student-athletes. Visit BuildTheLegacy.com today.
BARK LOUDER
Our mission is to engage, develop, and advance the Louisiana Tech Athletics brand. You can do that by spending time consuming our content and by investing your talents. By barking louder with your time and talent, you can affect progress and brand advancement in a meaningful way. Visit LATechSports.com/BarkLouder today. You bark. We bark. Louder together.
SOCIAL MEDIA
For all the latest in Bulldog Softball, follow us on X (@LATechSB), Instagram (@LATechSB), and Facebook (LouisianaTechSoftball).
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